Luena: The construction project for the Benguela Railway (CFB) branch line, linking the eastern cities of Luena in Moxico province and Saurimo in Lunda-Sul, officially commenced on Tuesday with a signing ceremony and the laying of the first stone.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this significant project spans approximately 260 kilometers and aims to interconnect the eastern region of the country, thereby encouraging production and stimulating trade. The project contract, to be executed by the construction company Odebrecht Angola, was signed during a ceremony led by the Minister of Transport, Ricardo de Viegas D'Abreu, with attendance from the Minister of Defense, Joo Ernesto dos Santos "Liberdade."
In addition to the governor of Moxico, Ernesto Muangala, the governor of Lunda-Sul province, Gildo Matias, also witnessed the event. The initiative follows a comprehensive demining process conducted by two brigades from the National Demining Center, resulting in the removal of 27 anti-personnel mines, 47 explosive devices of various calibers, and 1,875 rounds of ammunition.
The construction of the Luena-Saurimo section is part of the National Master Plan for the Transport and Road Infrastructure Sector (PDNSTIR) and aligns with the National Railway Network Expansion Plan. These measures are intended to enhance rail transport, increase the volume of goods, and boost the number of passengers transported.
For the execution of this railway link, the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, authorized an expenditure of $1,168,405,370 in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 55/23 of March 27.
